Rated G, 45 min. Directed by Terrence Malick. Narrated by Brad Pitt.

Terrence Malick's first foray into documentary filmmaking is this decades-in-the-making history of the universe, and it's a visually magnificent achievement that's educational, as well. Read the Chronicle review of the film here.

As we open in New York City 1926, Newt Scamander (Redmayne)has just arrived from overseas to ostensibly free one beast while acquiring another. He carries with him a tattered suitcase, one with a secret, as it’s revealed to be a world in and of itself, a preserve for the creatures he’s collected. But as these things go, bigger threats reveal themselves, especially in the form of a chaotic and malevolent parasitical entity that is wreaking havoc in the city. While Fantastic Beasts suffers from some symptoms we’ve taken as par for the course in Hollywood spectacles, it is also really fun. The backdrop of New York City in the Twenties is a nice change of pace from castles and countrysides, and Redmayne's take on the absent-minded professor schtick is splendid. Rowling's world-building skills sometimes clash with director Yates’ need to move on to the next catastrophe, but those looking for a charming blockbuster, here is where to find it. Read a full review of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

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